How the ‘Djokovic Affair’ Came Back to Bite Australia’s Prime Minister

Scott Morrison thought he had a political winner. Now, with an election looming, Australians debate their government’s fairness and competence.

SYDNEY, Australia — Novak Djokovic received the bad news on Thursday at 7:42 a.m. His entry visa into Australia was canceled and he was being detained, despite his arrival with a medical exemption from the country’s vaccine mandate for international visitors.

At 8:56 a.m., Prime Minister Scott Morrison jumped on Twitter to announce the tennis superstar’s comeuppance.

“Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders,” Mr. Morrison wrote. “No one is above these rules.”